Copy or move files and folders

Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1

You can copy and move files and folders in a few different ways using File Explorer.

Open File Explorer by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering File Explorer in the search box, and then tapping or clicking File Explorer.

Browse to the folder or location that contains the files or folders you want to copy or move.

Copy or move the folders by doing one of the following:

Select the items you want to copy or move, tap or click Home, and then tap or click Copy to copy them or Cut to move them.

Clipboard options in File Explorer

Browse to the new place where you want the files or folders to go, tap or click Home, and then tap or click Paste.

Open two File Explorer windows side by side, and then drag items from one window to the other. To open a new File Explorer window, tap or click File, and then tap or click Open new window.

Tip

The easiest way to arrange two windows side by side on the desktop is to drag the title bar of one window all the way to the left or right side of the screen until you see the outline of the window cover that half of the screen. Repeat this step with the other window on the other side of the screen to arrange the two windows side by side.

Press Ctrl+C to copy the items or Ctrl+X to cut them, and then browse to the new location and press Ctrl+V to paste the items.

Press and hold or right-click the item you want to copy or move, and then tap or click Cut or Copy. Browse to the new location, press and hold or right-click it, and then tap or click Paste.